Rooster Table of Contents

Rooster Symbolism & Meaning

There is a reason for the term “cock of the walk”. Roosters are almost impossible to intimidate and truly believe they are “all that and a bag of chips”! And, who can blame them? This barnyard fowl can have such magnificently colored plumage they really have no choice but to strut their stuff.

Rooster is a very popular symbol throughout China and Japan. By crowing come the dawn, the Rooster Spirit chases away evil spirits. The Chinese assign the Rooster as a proverbial mascot to the five virtues – civil responsibility, marital fidelity, courage, kindness, and confidence.

This creature’s dependability at dawn gives it the additional meanings of punctuality and constancy. Feng shui practitioners paint a red Rooster on a house’s walls for protection from fire or a white one to safeguard the home from demons.

Japanese mythology tells us of the brave Rooster who enticed Amaterasu out of her cave, thereby bringing sun back to the world. Among Taoists Rooster is a lucky emblem and in some settings Roosters are thought to act as Divine messengers.

Portuguese folklore tell of a miraculous rescue made by a cooked Rooster. The story goes that a man was accused of theft. When he faced his accuser he claimed that the Rooster on the table intended for the banquet would crow as soon as they put a noose around his neck. The judge ignored the warning and took him to hang nonetheless. True enough, the Rooster stood up and crowed, telling the judge of his terrible error. Thankfully a poorly made knot kept the accused from dying and he was given his freedom to travel in peace. Thus in this region the Rooster represents truth and equity, particularly in matters of law.

Astrologically Orion has a Rooster companion that communicates messages to the Gods. Rooster is also one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. These kinds of associations may have been part of the reason that Rooster divination (Alectryomancy – also called alectoromancy or alectromancy) evolved.

In this form of fortune telling, a diviner would interpret the message or symbolism stemming from what grains the Rooster would peck (including timing, order, etc.). Hence, Rooster symbolizes the extra characteristic of Prognostication.

Jewish tradition poses the Rooster as an emblem of gallantry and honesty. They were so revered that temple officers were called “Rooster” as one of their titles. The Old Testament speaks of the officers has having a “cock girded about the loins”. Zoroastrianism adds even more honor to the Rooster considering it a symbol of the victory of light over darkness.

Rooster Spirit Animal

There’s a reason the saying, “Rise and Shine!” is always associated with the Rooster.

When Rooster (Cock or Cockerel) struts in as one’s Spirit Animal, the mind, body, and spirit can be on their way to great improvement. After all, who can feel poorly in the presence of so much splendid color and sunlight?

Rooster as an animal spirit guide teaches you the lesson of using your voice for great good. Those who are timid find confidence, candor and old-fashioned gusto in this bird.

Rooster entering your life means that you have something to accomplish and the time to “rise and shine” is now! Self-empowerment begins with that first brave step into the dawning of a new day.

Be prepared and look for unexpected possibilities and opportunities!

Rooster Totem Animal

If Rooster (Cock or Cockerel) is your Totem Animal, you are comfortable and in touch with your fiery side, especially in terms of passion/sexuality.

As the herald of dawn, Rooster also gives you hope and mental keenness. Those who carry Rooster medicine inside rarely find themselves depressed or lacking energy. Rooster fills your aura with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of wittiness.

Keep a Rooster Totem near when starting on a new task, particularly one that seems problematic. Because it only takes one Rooster to fertilize an entire barnyard of hens,

Rooster is the perfect animal totem for those whose powers of creation seem larger than life to the rest of us mere mortals.

Rooster spirit draws good luck, prosperity and overall health to both you and your situation or projects.

Finally, Rooster as a Totem Animal helps you to be a potent protector who is adept at keeping negative energies and evil away with your the solar light which burns brightly in your aura.

Rooster Power Animal

Invoke Rooster as your Power Animal when support is needed to reach your highest potential. When this brilliantly colored bird heralds in the new day, his crow reminds us that we have much to be grateful for.

As Rooster arches his neck up to the heavens and lets loose his sacred song, our attention is called to the fact that we are alive to witness the power emanating from such a small and relatively fragile creature.

If such a tiny soul believes he is entitled to touch the stars, so can you!

In meditations, the Rooster teaches you self-protection and vigilance. This Spirit Animal also mingles with your auric field to cleanse negativity.

Roosters are the timekeepers of our world. If you are finding it challenging to keep your life in order and on track, call upon Rooster. He can help you keep your own barnyard organized and peaceful.

Native American Rooster Symbolic Meanings

Native Americans designate Rooster as a symbol of the sun, resurrection, protection and fertility (particularly for men).

Rooster as a Celtic Animal Symbol

In an odd divergence from global symbolism, the Celts saw the Rooster as a messenger to the underworld. As he traveled, his caw called forth souls of the brave who died in battle. Gaulish depictions of the god Mercury (the god of messages and abundance) shows him with a sacred Rooster companion. Throughout the legends of the Celts, the Rooster has the power to banish ghosts and other unhappy spirits when he caws come the dawn.

Rooster Dreams

Dreams of Roosters represent pride, potentially to the point of showing off. Watch how loud you crow and make sure it’s with good cause. Roosters fighting in a dream represent angry rivals.

Rooster in Astrology & Zodiac Signs

Rooster is one of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals as well as a Chinese New Year Animal. Those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of Rooster are here to strut their stuff! Flamboyant and good-natured this Zodiac Sign symbolizes good fortune and major success!